Wall mount human machine interface

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a wall mount enclosure for mounting in a wall, including a housing with a front side, a back side and at least one side wall defining an interior accessible from an opening in the front side, where the front side has an outer perimeter extending outwardly beyond the side wall to interface with a front surface of the wall when a plurality of clamping mechanisms are engaged to mount the enclosure to the wall. The clamping mechanisms comprise a threaded fastener having a head accessible through the interior, and an at least partially threaded elongated member. A clamp body is provided and is pivotal about an axis by pivoting the threaded fastener in a first direction away from the interior of the enclosure and linearly translatable when in a second pivotal position to engage a back portion of the wall and mount the housing.

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/349,665, filed Jan. 13, 2012 and entitled “WALL MOUNT HUMAN MACHINEINTERFACE”, which claims priority from and the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/434,518 filed Jan. 20, 2011,the entireties of which applications are hereby incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND

The present exemplary embodiment relates to a wall mount human machineinterface. It finds particular application in conjunction withenclosures and clamping mechanisms to mount a human machine interface orother electrical components to an associated wall structure, and will bedescribed with particular reference thereto. However, it is to beappreciated that the present exemplary embodiment is also amenable toother like applications.

Precise instrumentation associated with modern complex systems aresometimes required to be located in unfavorable environments. This isparticularly true for electrical equipment as it is typically requiredthat various services within building structures be provided with ameans of control that remains isolated from other areas of the building.Additionally, precise instrumentation may be required in a location of abuilding that requires a controlled atmosphere.

Controlled atmospheres are usually a requirement of certain medicalfacilities or manufacturing plants to maintain a measured level of airquality in a defined location. Notably, the area within a controlledatmosphere must consistently be monitored to ensure that the necessarylevel of air quality is maintained. As such, it is desirable to design acontrolled atmosphere with efficient use of space to reduce thepossibility of unwanted air pollutants.

Further, it may be necessary to provide a human machine interface (HMI)device or other related components within the controlled atmosphere toallow human manipulation of a controllable system or device therein. Atypical HMI device comprises electrical elements within a housing havingan input device such as a keypad and an output device such as a displayscreen. Additionally, HMI devices include electrical hookup ports for atleast one connection to an associated data or power source. However,installation of an HMI device, electrical elements or an enclosure inthe controlled atmosphere may increase the risk of accumulating unwantedelements such as moisture, bacteria, dust and other air particulate thatis not easily controlled or monitored within the controlled atmosphere.

The efficient use of space within a controlled atmosphere has promptedothers in the art to mount HMI devices and enclosures on or within thewalls of the controlled atmosphere. However, these attempts either failto reduce the risk of accumulating foreign air elements and/or fail toprovide for efficient access to the enclosure for maintenance andreplacement.

In one instance, it is known to install an enclosure within a wallopening, the enclosure having an opening at a front side to provideaccess to an interior and an opening at a back side to provide access toa back portion of an associated wall. This arrangement allows theenclosure to be installed within the associated wall of a controlledenvironment without having residual mechanical fittings or cracks aboutthe front side and thereby reduces the accumulation of unwanted airparticulate. However, it requires the use of additional space adjacentthe back portion of the associated wall for access to mechanicalfittings for securing the enclosure within the associated wall.

Therefore there remains a need to provide an enclosure and a method ofinstalling an enclosure within a controlled atmosphere to reduce therisk of uncontrollable accumulation of air particulate therein.Additionally, there remains a need for a clamping mechanism within anenclosure to allow for efficient placement and maintenance of anenclosure on an associated wall within a controlled atmosphere.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to a wall mount enclosure for mounting inan opening of an associated wall. The enclosure comprises a housing witha front side, a back side and at least one side wall, where the sidewall extends between the front and back sides and defines an interiorthat is accessible from an opening in the front side. The sidewallincludes a first sidewall portion extending from the front side towardthe backside and defining a sidewall perimeter, as well as a second sidewall portion extending from the backside toward the front side andlocated entirely inward of the sidewall perimeter, where no portion ofthe first sidewall portion is laterally inward of any portion of thesecond side wall portion. In addition, the sidewall includes a thirdsidewall portion joining the first and second sidewall portions. Thefront side has an outer perimeter with at least a portion of the outerperimeter extending outwardly beyond the side wall to interface with afront surface of the associated wall when the housing is installed inthe wall opening.

The enclosure also includes clamping mechanisms mounted to the enclosureoutward of the second sidewall portion, which are operative to mount theenclosure to the associated wall. At least one of the clampingmechanisms includes a threaded fastener and a clamp body. The fastenerhas a head accessible through the interior of the enclosure, and anelongated member that is at least partially threaded. When the fasteneris rotated in a first rotational direction, the clamp body pivots in afirst pivotal direction for movement of at least a portion of the clampbody away from the interior of the enclosure between a first pivotalposition in which the clamp body is entirely located inward of the sidewall and a second pivotal position in which at least a portion of theclamp body is outward of the side wall. When in the second pivotalposition, the clamp body is translatable by continued rotation of thethreaded fastener in the first rotational direction between an extendedposition in which the clamp body is spaced from the associated wall anda retracted position in which the clamp body operatively engages a backportion of the associated wall to mount the housing to the associatedwall.

The front surface of the enclosure includes an outer perimeter incertain embodiments having a gasket to sealingly engage at least aportion of the front portion of the associated wall when the clampingmechanism has engaged the back portion of the associated wall.

Certain embodiments of this configuration may be advantageously employedto facilitate installation of the enclosure entirely from one side ofthe associated wall by operation of one or more of the clampingmechanism fasteners accessed from within the enclosure interior. Moreparticularly, the clamping mechanism may further comprise a resilient orbiasing member operative to pivotally urge the clamp body inwardstowards the enclosure. Additionally, the elongated member may beattached to the clamp body and rotatable along a common axis. Here, theclamp body may be provided with a lock nut that is rigidly connectedtherein to engage at least some threads of the elongated member. Thelock nut having threads with a nylon insert to engage at least somethreads along the elongated member.

In another embodiment, an abutment surface is provided to engage theclamp body as the threaded fastener is rotated to discontinue rotationalmovement of the clamp body relative to the enclosure. The abutmentsurface may comprise a straight edge portion of the clamp body thatabuts one side of the clamp body to the enclosure. The clamp body maybegin linear translation relative to the threaded fastener in adirection towards the back portion of the associated wall after theclamp body engages the abutment surface. The clamp body can engage theabutment surface at a 90 degree angle relative to the enclosure.

In yet another embodiment, the at least one clamping mechanismaccommodates a clamp extension at an engagement side of the clamp bodyextending the clamp body towards the back portion of the associatedwall.

In one embodiment, the clamping mechanism is captive to the enclosurewherein the elongated member includes a recess to receive a restrictorplate to at least partially restrict axial motion and allow pivotalmotion of the threaded fastener in relation to the enclosure.

The enclosure is directed to house or store electronic elements orequipment such as a control station, a user interface unit and a humanmachine interface device. However, the enclosure can also be used tohouse or store any elements that can be arranged to fit within theinterior. To account for electric elements at least one electrical portextends from the enclosure for operable connection to an associatedpower source or data source.

A method is provided for sealingly connecting a wall mount enclosure toan associated wall. The method includes providing a cutout in theassociated wall, the cutout sized to accept a housing having a frontside and a back side and at least one side wall, the side wall extendingbetween the front side and the back side defining an interior accessiblethrough an opening in the front side, the front side having an outerperimeter extending outwardly beyond the at least one side wall. Thestep of placing the housing within the cutout, the outer perimeterengaging at least a portion of a front surface of the associated wall.

Pivoting a plurality of clamping mechanisms from a first position inwardof the side wall to a second position outward of the side wall. Linearlytranslating a clamp body of the clamping mechanism from an extendedposition to a retracted position until the clamp body abuttingly engagesa back portion of the associate wall. Compressing at least a portion ofa gasket located at least partially between the outer perimeter of thefront side and the front surface of the associated wall.

A clamping mechanism operative to mount an enclosure to an associatedwall, the clamping mechanism comprising a threaded fastener having ahead accessible through an interior of the enclosure, and an at leastpartially threaded elongated member. A clamp body is provided and canpivot about an axis by rotation of the threaded fastener in a firstrotational direction for movement of at least a portion of the clampbody in a first pivotal direction away from the interior of theenclosure between a first pivotal position and a second pivotalposition. The clamp body translatable when in the second pivotalposition by continued rotation of the elongated member in the firstrotational direction. The clamp body is translatable between an extendedposition in which the clamp body is spaced from the associated wall anda retracted position in which the clamp body operatively engages a backportion of the associated wall to mount the housing therein.

Still other features and benefits of the present disclosure will becomeapparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of a wall mount enclosure for mountingin a wall opening of an associated wall;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a front side of a wall mount enclosure with ahuman machine interface device;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the wall mount enclosure and a plurality ofclamping mechanisms;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the wall mount enclosure and the plurality ofclamping mechanisms;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the wall mount enclosure with the humanmachine interface device and the plurality of clamping mechanism;

FIG. 6 is a top view of one embodiment of a clamp body of the clampingmechanism;

FIG. 7 is a side view of one embodiment of the clamp body of theclamping mechanism;

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of one embodiment of the clamp body of theclamping mechanism;

FIG. 9 is a front view of one embodiment of the clamp body of theclamping mechanism;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the clamp body of theclamping mechanism;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a retaining member ofthe clamping mechanism;

FIG. 12 is a top view of one embodiment of the retaining member of theclamping mechanism;

FIG. 13 is a top view of one embodiment of head of an elongated memberof the clamping mechanism;

FIG. 14 is a side view of one embodiment of the elongated member of theclamping mechanism;

FIG. 15 is a side view of one embodiment of the clamping mechanism in afirst pivotal position;

FIG. 16 is a side view of one embodiment of the clamping mechanism in asecond pivotal position;

FIG. 17 is a side view of one embodiment of the clamping mechanismpartially between an extended position and a retracted position;

FIG. 18 is a side view of one embodiment of the clamping mechanism inthe retracted position;

FIG. 19 is a top view of one embodiment of the clamping mechanism in thefirst pivotal position;

FIG. 20 is a top view of one embodiment of the clamping mechanism withrotation in a first pivotal direction outward from a side wall in thesecond pivotal position;

FIG. 21 is a top view of one embodiment of the clamping mechanismfurther rotating in the first pivotal direction outward from the sidewall in the second pivotal position;

FIG. 22 is a top view of one embodiment of the clamping mechanism withcontinued rotation in the first pivotal direction outward from the sidewall in the second pivotal position;

FIG. 23 is a top view of one embodiment of the clamping mechanism withcontinued rotation in the first pivotal direction outward from the sidewall in the second pivotal position;

FIG. 24 is a top view of one embodiment of the clamping mechanism withcontinued rotation in the first pivotal direction outward from the sidewall in the second pivotal position;

FIG. 25 is a cross sectional view of one embodiment of the wall mountenclosure for mounting in a wall opening of an associated wall;

FIG. 26 is a cross sectional view of one embodiment of the wall mountenclosure for mounting in a wall opening of an associated wall;

FIG. 27 is a side view of one embodiment of the elongated member of theclamping mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood that the detailed figures are for purposes ofillustrating exemplary embodiments only and are not intended to belimiting. Additionally, it will be appreciated that the drawings are notto scale and that portions of certain elements may be exaggerated forthe purpose of clarity and ease of illustration.

In accordance with the present disclosure, an enclosure and a method ofinstalling an enclosure are provided for the efficient installation of ahuman machine interface (HMI) within an associated wall in a locationrequiring a controlled atmosphere. The enclosure can be used to reducethe risk of uncontrollable accumulation of moisture and unwanted airparticulate therein. Additionally, a clamping mechanism is provided onthe enclosure to allow for efficient replacement and maintenance of adevice contained within the associated wall of the controlledatmosphere.

With reference to FIGS. 1-4, wall mount enclosure 100 is provided formounting in a wall opening 205 or cutout of an associated wall 200 (FIG.1). The enclosure 100 comprises a housing 110 having a front side 120, aback side 130 and at least one side wall 140. The side wall 140 extendsbetween the front side 120 and the back side 130 and defines an interior150 or cavity that is accessible from an opening 160 in the front side120. The front side 120 has an outer perimeter 170 with at least aportion thereof extending outwardly beyond the side wall 140 tointerface with a front surface 215 of the associated wall 200 when thehousing 110 is installed in the wall opening 200.

In one embodiment, the wall mount enclosure 100 is provided with fourside walls 140 positioned between the front side 120 and back side 130defining a generally rectangular interior 150, where the enclosure 100itself also has a generally rectangular shape. Other embodiments arecontemplated in which the enclosure may comprise any shape as may beneeded by the particular application or design.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the wall mount enclosure 100 in one exampleis provided with a human machine interface 105 having a display 115 ormonitor and an input device 125 or keypad accessible from the front side120 by an associated user. The display 115 and input device 125 may alsobe combined into a touch-screen type apparatus. However, the wall mountenclosure 100 may contain other devices or items that may be beneficialfor use or storage in a controlled atmosphere.

Optionally, at least one electrical port 180 extends from the enclosurefor operable connection to an associated power supply. In one embodimentthe electrical port 180 extends from back side 130 to allow the HMIdevice or other enclosed device to connect to an associated power supplyand/or to an associated data/server line.

The opening 160 is provided at the front side 120 for access to theinterior 150. A cover 190 may be provided over the opening 160 toprevent unwanted access by associated users and/or ingress or egress offoreign particulates. A plurality of latches 195 may be provided aboutthe circumference of the cover 190 to lock the cover 190 over theopening 160 and compress the cover 190 about the outer perimeter 170 ofthe front side 120. In one embodiment, a gasket 430 can be placedbetween the cover 190 and the outer perimeter 170 to provide asufficiently closed seal. Each latch 195 can be opened by a proprietarykey or by rudimentary latching means known in the art. In the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 1, a quarter turn latch 195 is provided where an arm187 is operatively rotated in abutting position with an internal flange185. Latches are commonly known in the art and will not be explainedfully herein. However, it should be noted that any type of latch may beacceptable for attaching the cover 190 to the front side 120 so long asit locks the cover 190 and conceals the opening 160 to prevent unwantedaccess by associated users and/or foreign particulate.

In another embodiment, the cover 190 may comprise a hinged opening (notshown) with at least one latch 195 whereby at least one hinge is locatedin a spaced relation to the front side 120 and the opening 160. In thisarrangement, the at least one hinge is oriented to move the cover 190outwardly before pivoting the cover 160 open to prevent crimping thegasket 430 therein. The hinge or hinges are spaced relative to the frontside 120 to maintain the integrity of the sealed arrangement of thegasket 430 between the cover 190 and the interior 150 when the cover 190is in a closed position.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3-5, a plurality of clampingmechanisms 210 are mounted to the enclosure 100 and are operative tomount the enclosure 100 to the associated wall 200. The clampingmechanisms 210 in the illustrated example individually include a clampbody 250 and a threaded fastener 220 having a head 230 accessiblethrough the interior 150 of the enclosure 100, and an at least partiallythreaded elongated member 240. The head 230 can be arranged for manualrotation by an associated user or can be shaped to receive an associatedtool for the transfer of a torque force. The elongated member 240includes a generally cylindrical body 270 and a plurality of threads 275located substantially along an exterior of the cylindrical body 270.

In one embodiment, the clamp body 250 is pivotal about an axis by therotation of the threaded fastener 220 in a first rotational directionfor movement of at least a portion of the clamp body 250 in a firstpivotal direction away from the interior 150 of the enclosure 100. Theclamp body 250 can be pivoted between a first pivotal position 300 (SeeFIG. 1) in which the clamp body 250 is entirely located inward of theside wall 140 and a second pivotal position 310 (See FIGS. 16-18 and20-24) in which at least a portion of the clamp body 250 is outward ofthe side wall 140.

The clamp body 250 is translatable when in the second pivotal position310 by continued rotation of the threaded fastener 220 in the firstrotational direction. The clamp body 250 translates between an extendedposition 320, in which the clamp body is spaced from the associated wall200, and a retracted position 330, in which the clamp body 250operatively engages a back portion 260 of the associated wall 200, tocompressively mount the housing 110 to the associated wall 200.

With reference to FIG. 1, the clamp body 250 of the clamping mechanism210 is shown in the first pivotal position 300. In this embodiment, theclamp body 250 is threadingly attached to the threaded fastener 220along a shared pivotal axis. However, it should be appreciated that thethreaded fastener 220 and clamp body 250 may each have a separate axiswhereby a mechanical linkage arrangement (not shown) may be adapted totransfer torque and pivotal movement from the threaded fastener 220 tothe clamp body 250 for pivotal motion and translation of the clamp body250 relative to the enclosure 100 in a predetermined pathway.

As shown in FIG. 1, the threaded fastener 220 in the illustratedembodiments is threadingly adapted to a lock nut 280 that is fixedlyattached to clamp body 250. The lock nut 280 comprises a standardthreaded nut, shaped to receivingly engage threads 275 located along theelongated member 240 of threaded fastener 220. Additionally, the locknut 280 may have a nylon insert 290 shaped to engage the threads 275along the elongated member 240. Threads may be molded into the nyloninsert 290 for additional frictional engagement between the lock nut 280and the elongated member 240. Nylon lock nuts are known to provide astable threaded connection about threaded members and act to furtherprevent loosening by vibration or unintended movements of the threadedfastener. In use, a torque force is applied in the first rotationaldirection to the threaded fastener 220 in order to pivot the clamp body250 from the first pivotal position 300 to the second pivotal position310. The clamp body 250 is then obstructed by an abutment surface 480that restricts the pivotal motion of the clamp body 250 in the firstpivotal direction. Continued torque force is applied to the threadedfastener 220 in the first rotational direction whereby the torque forceovercomes the frictional force of the lock nut 280 (and the nylon insert290 optionally therein). Once the torque force exceeds the frictionalforce of the lock nut 280 while the clamp body 250 is in the secondpivotal position 310, the threads 275 frictionally interact with thelock nut 280 and cause the clamp body 250 to linearly translate towardsthe back portion 260 of the associate wall 200 thereby compressivelyabutting the associate wall 200 in the retracted position 330.

Also provided with the illustrated clamping mechanism 210 is a resilientor biasing member 295. The biasing member 295 may comprise anycounterforce bearing member that provides a predetermined amount offorce counter to the rotation of the clamp body 250 in the first pivotaldirection thereby urging the clamp body 250 towards the interior 150 ofthe enclosure 100 in the second pivotal direction. When at rest, thebiasing member 295 acts against pivotal movement in the first pivotaldirection of the clamp body 250 and urges the clamp body 250 inwardstowards the enclosure 100 to rest in the first pivotal position 300located entirely inward of the side wall 140.

In one embodiment, the biasing member 295 comprises a torsion spring 340having a first arm 350 and a second arm 360 extending from a spring body370. The spring body 370 is coaxially located about the elongated member240. The first arm 350 extending therefrom is adapted to engage thehousing 110. The second arm 360 is adapted to the clamp body 250. Inuse, a torque force applied in the first rotational direction to thethreaded fastener 220 is to be greater than the pivotal counter-forceprovided by the biasing member 295 (but not exceeding the frictionalforce of the nylon insert 290) in order to pivot the clamp body 250 fromthe first pivotal position 300 to the second pivotal position 310. Thebiasing member 295 urges the clamping mechanism to the first pivotalposition 300 to allow for efficient installation of the enclosure 100within the wall opening 205 while avoiding interference with theassociated wall 200. The biasing member 295 provides installationadvantages for an enclosure having a large rectangular or oblong shapeconfigured to support electrical equipment that is to be installed in avertical wall when the installer only has access to a front side of thewall. The installer is capable of installing the enclosure, includingheavy electrical components therein, without the assistance of a secondinstaller.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3-5, side wall in the illustrated embodimentcomprises a first side wall portion 140 extending from the front side120 toward the back side 130 and defining a side wall perimeter, asecond side wall portion 390 extending from the back side 130 toward thefront side 120 and located entirely inward of the side wall perimeter asdefined by continuous first side wall portion 140 with no portion of thefirst side wall portion 140 being laterally inward of any portion of thesecond side wall portion 390, and a third side wall portion 380 joiningthe first 140 and second side wall portions 140, 390. In one embodiment,the third side wall portion or shoulder 380 is generally continuousabout a perimeter of the enclosure 100 and the second side wall portionor recess wall 390. The shoulder 380 and recess wall 390 are positionedbetween the front side 120 and back side 130. The clamping mechanism 210is substantially located in a recess area 400 created by the shoulder380 and recess wall 390. The recess area 400 ensures the clamp body 250avoids interfering with the associated wall 200 during installation ofthe wall mount enclosure 100. Additionally, the recess area 400 isgenerally continuous along the perimeter of the enclosure 100. Due tothe continuous area 400, separate cutouts within the enclosure 100 arenot needed to surround each clamping mechanism thereby simplifying themanufacture of the enclosure. Further, the continuous area 400 improvesthe comprehensive structural rigidity of the enclosure 100 in aninstalled vertical condition in the associated wall. The clamp bodiescan also be configured to rotate away from the first pivotal position300 within the area 400 in either a clockwise or counterclockwisepivotal direction to the second position 310 outside the side wall 140.

Additionally, the clamp body 250 may be provided with or otherwiseaccept or accommodate provision of a clamp extension 410 at anengagement side 420 of the clamp body 250. The clamp extension 410further extends the clamp body 250 towards the backside 260 of theassociated wall 200. The clamp extension 410 may comprise a shapecapable of fixingly adapting to the clamp body 250 to frictionallyengage the back portion 260 when the clamp body 250 is placed in theretracted position 330. The clamp extension 410 may be removable fromthe clamp body 205 and has a length that is dependent on the distancebetween a base 405 of the clamping mechanism 210 and the back portion260 of the associated wall 200. Additionally, the clamp extension 410 islocated in the recess area 400 along with the clamp body 250 when theclamping mechanism 210 is in the first pivotal position 300. The clampextension 410 allows the enclosure 100 to be installed with the clampingmechanisms 210 in associated walls 200 having a variety of differentwall thicknesses.

In certain embodiments, the outer perimeter 170 of the front side 120further comprises the gasket 430 to sealingly engage the front surface215 of the associated wall 200 when the clamping mechanism 210 hasengaged the back portion 260 thereof. Additionally, a user canoptionally install the enclosure 100 within the wall opening without agasket 430 and utilize a bead of caulk at the intersection of the frontside 120 and the outer perimeter 170 for a sealing engagement. Thegasket 430 and/or caulk in certain embodiments may comprise anelastomeric material that is capable of providing a sealed arrangementbetween the wall opening 205 and the controlled environment. The gasket430 may also have a tail member 435 extending along a peripheral edge425 of the gasket 430 to further sealingly engage the front surface 215of the associated wall 200 when the clamping mechanism 210 engages theback portion 260 of the associated wall 200. When the gasket 430 iscompressed along the front surface 215 and the outer perimeter 170, asillustrated in FIG. 1, the cover 190 may also abut the gasket 430 alongthe outer perimeter 170 thereby further compressing the gasket 430 andcreating a sealed arrangement between the interior 150 of the enclosure100 and the controlled environment. Alternatively, the cover 190 mayalso abut a separate gasket or caulk to create a closed sealedarrangement. Preferably, the gasket and/or caulk type has been approvedby the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in controlledatmospheres whereby unwanted moisture and air particulate is preventedfrom collecting in cracks or spaces between the outer perimeter 170 andthe front surface 215 and the outer perimeter 170 and the cover 190,respectively. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 26, the cover 190may include a bent or radial edge 550 that abuts the gasket 430. Theradial edge 550 provides a conformed and compressed sealed fit about theperimeter of the cover 190 and the front surface 215 as the gasket 430is received and compressed by the radial edge 550 about the outerperimeter 170. Optionally, the bent edge 550 may also contact the outerperimeter 170 at a nested portion (not shown) configured along the outerperimeter 170 of the housing 110. The nested portion in such embodimentsmay receive the bent edge 550 continuously along the perimeter 170 asthe cover is in the closed position. The nested configuration improvesthe sealed configuration of the enclosure as the cover 190 is in theclosed position.

In one embodiment, the threaded fastener 220 remains captive about theenclosure 100 along an unthreaded portion 440 (See FIG. 14) of theelongated member 240. For this feature, a recess 450 is provided aboutthe elongated member 240 to receive a restrictor plate 460 to engage theshoulder 380 of the enclosure 100 at the base 405. The restrictor plate460 (See FIGS. 11 and 12) generally restricts axial movement of thethreaded fastener as it abuts the base 405 opposite the head 230 of thethreaded fastener 220 thereby allowing pivotal motion of the threadedfastener 220 while remaining captive about the housing 110. In oneembodiment, the restrictor plate is an E-clip 470 that is removablyadapted to fit within the recess 450 of the elongated member 240.Optionally, the base 405 of enclosure 100 may have an indented region(not shown) sized to accept a portion of the restrictor plate 460 alongthe shoulder 380 within recessed area 400.

In the embodiment illustrated by FIG. 25, an axial stabilizer 520 isprovided about the housing 110. More particularly, the axial stabilizer520 comprises a protrusion, such as a cylindrical member welded to thehousing 110 or other structure shaped to provide axial stabilization ofthe clamping mechanisms 210 as they are located about the housing 110.The axial stabilizer 520 may be fixedly attached to the housing 110 andlocated at the interior 150 or recess area 400. The axial stabilizer 520can be oriented in any shape so long as to structurally stabilize thethreaded member 220 while it is located to prevent wobbling or otherunwanted movements of the clamping mechanism 210. Additionally, theaxial stabilizer 520 may be adapted to both the recess 450 and therestrictor plate 460 along the shoulder 380.

Additionally, the axial stabilizer 520 may be pivotally adapted to theelongated member 240 as illustrated in FIG. 26. Here, the axialstabilizer 520 comprises a bushing 530 attached to the threaded fastener220 adjacent the head 230 and rotatably adapted to the sidewall 240. Thebushing 530 may be a two part member that is fit about the side wall 240of the housing 110 at a radial recess 540 for lateral support betweenthe housing 110 and threaded fastener 220 while allowing pivotalrotation therein. In this embodiment, the bushing 530 is positionedalong the unthreaded portion 440 of the threaded fastener 220 betweenthe head 230 and recess 450. The restrictor plate 460 is received atrecess 450 and abuts the bushing 530 to prevent axial translation of thethreaded fastener 220 in relation to the housing 110, the bushing 530and shoulder 380. The bushing 530 may be located within the housing 100or at the recess area 400. FIG. 27 indicates the threaded member 220 ofFIG. 26 whereby the bushing 530 is received by the elongated member 240adjacent the head 230 along the unthreaded portion 440.

Stated another way, clamp body 250 is pivotal about an axis by therotation of the threaded fastener 220 in the first rotational directionfor movement of the clamp body 250 in a first pivotal direction awayfrom the interior 150 of the enclosure 100. The clamp body 250 can bepivoted between a first pivotal position 300 (See FIG. 1) in which theclamp body 250 is entirely located inward of the side wall 140 and asecond pivotal position 310 (See FIGS. 16-18 and 20-24) in which atleast a portion of the clamp body 250 is outward of the side wall 140.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 19-24, the clamp body 250 is atrest in the first pivotal position. After a pivotal torque is applied tothe threaded fastener 220 in the first rotational direction, the clampbody 250 pivots in the first pivotal direction until an abutment surface480 is engages the housing 110 (See FIG. 24). The clamp body 250 is thentranslatable when in the second pivotal position 310, FIGS. 16-18 and20-24, by continued rotation of the threaded fastener 220 in the firstrotational direction. The abutment surface 480 is provided to engage theclamp body 250 to a portion of the housing 110 as the threaded fastener220 is rotated thereby discontinuing a pivotal movement of the clampbody 250 in the first pivotal direction relative to the housing 110. Thediscontinued pivotal movement allows an associated user to overcome thefrictional force of the lock nut 280 whereby the clamp body 250 beginslinear translation about the threaded fastener 220 in a directiontowards the back side 260 of the associated wall 200 after the clampbody 250 engages the abutment surface 480. As shown in FIGS. 6, 8, 10and 19-24, the abutment surface 480 may be located at a first end 490 ofthe clamp body 250 and comprises a rounded edge 500 to pivot in relationto the recess wall 390 and a straight edge 510 to abut the recess wall390 of the housing 110 thereby discontinuing pivotal movement of theclamp body 250 in the first pivotal direction. However, in a separateembodiment, the abutment surface 480 may additionally comprise anexternal obstruction or separate protruding element from the housing 110that is attached to the housing 110 and shaped to engage the clamp body250 when the clamp body 250 is pivoted at a predetermined angle relativeto the housing 110.

In one embodiment, the abutment surface 480 discontinues pivotalmovement of the clamp body 250 when the clamp body 250 is generallyperpendicular or about 90 degrees in relation to the side wall 140 (SeeFIG. 24). However, the abutment surface can be arranged to discontinuepivotal movement of the clamp body 250 at any angular relationship withthe side wall 140 as required by the size and shape of the housing 110and wall opening 205. This configuration assists in overcoming thefrictional force of the lock nut 280 while the clamp body 250 is in thesecond pivotal position 310. The lock nut 280 frictionally interactswith the elongated member 240 and causes the clamp body 250 to linearlytranslate towards the back portion 260 of the wall.

After the abutment surface 480 engages the recess wall 390, the clampbody 250 may then be translated between the extended position 320, inwhich the clamp body is spaced from the associated wall 200, and theretracted position 330, in which the clamp body 250 operatively engagesa back portion 260 of the associated wall 200, to clampingly mount thehousing 110 to the associated wall 200. This same pivotal action can bedone to the plurality of clamping mechanisms 210 located about theperiphery of the enclosure 100 to compress the gasket about the outerperimeter 170 to the first surface 215.

To disengage the enclosure 100 from the associated wall 200, an oppositedirectional torque force is applied to the head 230 of the threadedfastener 220. The force is applied in such second rotational directionwhereby the clamp body 250 disengages from the back portion 260 of theassociated wall 200 and linearly translates about the threaded fastener220 towards the extended position 320. The resilient member 295continually acts against pivotal movement in the first pivotal directionof the clamp body 250 and urges the clamp body 250 inwards towards theenclosure 100 until the clamp body 250 rests in the first pivotalposition 300 located entirely inward of the side wall 140. Further,clamp extension 410 may contact the side wall 140 below the shoulder 380as the resilient member and the second rotational direction would act topivot the clamp body towards the enclosure 100. In this instance,continued rotation of the threaded fastener 220 in the second rotationaldirection is required to fully linearly translate the clamp body 250 tothe extended position 320 and come to rest in the first pivotal position300 located entirely inward of the side wall 140 in the recess area 400.

The various aspects of the disclosure have been described with referenceto one or more preferred embodiments. Modifications and alterations willoccur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detaileddescription. It is intended that the exemplary embodiment be construedas including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they comewithin the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A clamping mechanism for mounting anenclosure to an associated wall, the clamping mechanism comprising: athreaded fastener having a head accessible through an interior of theenclosure, and an at least partially threaded elongated member; and aclamp body pivotal about an axis by rotation of the threaded fastener ina first rotational direction for movement of at least a portion of theclamp body in a first pivotal direction away from the interior of theenclosure between a first pivotal position and a second pivotalposition, the clamp body having an abutment surface configured tocontact the enclosure in the second pivotal position by which continuedmovement of the body in the first pivotal direction is prevented, theclamp body translatable when in the second pivotal position by continuedrotation of the threaded fastener in the first rotational directionbetween an extended position in which the clamp body is spaced from theassociated wall and a retracted position in which the clamp bodyoperatively engages a back portion of the associated wall to mount theenclosure to the associated wall.
 2. The clamping mechanism of claim 1,wherein the threaded fastener is configured to remain captive about theenclosure.
 3. The clamping mechanism of claim 2, wherein the abutmentsurface comprises a rounded edge adjacent a straight edge located at afirst end of the clamp body such that the rounded edge is configured topivot in relation to the enclosure to allow the straight edge to abutthe enclosure thereby discontinuing movement of the clamp body in thefirst pivotal direction.
 4. The clamping mechanism of claim 1, whereinthe abutment surface comprises a rounded edge adjacent a straight edgelocated at a first end of the clamp body such that the rounded edge isconfigured to pivot in relation to the enclosure to allow the straightedge to abut the enclosure thereby discontinuing movement of the clampbody in a first pivotal direction.
 5. A clamping mechanism for mountingan enclosure to an associated wall, the clamping mechanism comprising: athreaded fastener having a head accessible through an interior of theenclosure, and an at least partially threaded elongated member; and aclamp body pivotal about an axis by rotation of the threaded fastener ina first rotational direction for movement of at least a portion of theclamp body in a first pivotal direction away from the interior of theenclosure between a first pivotal position and a second pivotalposition, the clamp body having an abutment surface configured tocontact the enclosure in the second pivotal position by which continuedmovement of the body in the first pivotal direction is prevented theclamp body translatable when in the second pivotal position by continuedrotation of the threaded fastener in the first rotational directionbetween an extended position in which the clamp body is spaced from theassociated wall and a retracted position in which the clamp bodyoperatively engages a back portion of the associated wall to mount theenclosure to the associated wall; wherein a lock nut is fixedlyconnected to the clamp body to operatively engage the threads of theelongated member.
 6. The clamping mechanism of claim 5, wherein thethreaded fastener is configured to remain captive about the enclosure.7. The clamping mechanism of claim 6, wherein the elongated member ofthe threaded fastener includes a recess configured to receive arestrictor plate to restrict axial motion of the threaded fastenerrelative to the enclosure.
 8. The clamping mechanism of claim 7, whereinthe abutment surface comprises a rounded edge adjacent a straight edgelocated at a first end of the clamp body such that the rounded edge isconfigured to pivot in relation to the enclosure to allow the straightedge to abut the enclosure thereby discontinuing movement of the clampbody in the first pivotal direction.
 9. The clamping mechanism of claim6, wherein the abutment surface comprises a rounded edge adjacent astraight edge located at a first end of the clamp body such that therounded edge is configured to pivot in relation to the enclosure toallow the straight edge to abut the enclosure thereby discontinuingmovement of the clamp body in the first pivotal direction.
 10. Theclamping mechanism of claim 5, wherein the abutment surface comprises arounded edge adjacent a straight edge located at a first end of theclamp body such that the rounded edge is configured to pivot in relationto the enclosure to allow the straight edge to abut the enclosurethereby discontinuing movement of the clamp body in the first pivotaldirection.
 11. A clamping mechanism for mounting an enclosure to anassociated wall, the clamping mechanism comprising: a threaded fastenerhaving a head accessible through an interior of the enclosure, and an atleast partially threaded elongated member; and a clamp body pivotalabout an axis by rotation of the threaded fastener in a first rotationaldirection for movement of at least a portion of the clamp body in afirst pivotal direction away from the interior of the enclosure betweena first pivotal position and a second pivotal position, the clamp bodyhaving an abutment surface configured to contact the enclosure in thesecond pivotal position by which continued movement of the body in thefirst pivotal direction is prevented, the clamp body translatable whenin the second pivotal position by continued rotation of the threadedfastener in the first rotational direction between an extended positionin which the clamp body is spaced from the associated wall and aretracted position in which the clamp body operatively engages a backportion of the associated wall to mount the enclosure to the associatedwall; wherein the threaded fastener is configured to remain captiveabout the enclosure; and wherein the elongated member of the threadedfastener includes a recess configured to receive a restrictor plate torestrict axial motion of the threaded fastener relative to theenclosure.
 12. The clamping mechanism of claim 11, wherein the abutmentsurface comprises a rounded edge adjacent a straight edge located at afirst end of the clamp body such that the rounded edge is configured topivot in relation to the enclosure to allow the straight edge to abutthe enclosure thereby discontinuing movement of the clamp body in thefirst pivotal direction.